By Surihe Gaomas WINDHOEK Nineteen community-based organizations (CBOs) dealing with HIV/AIDS prevention and care in the country recently received a major financial boost of over N$6,5-million from the United Nations Small Grants Fund. The official hand-over ceremony of the donation was conducted in the capital last week Thursday. For the recipients who were presented with cheques at the function, the generous financial assistance was met with great appreciation. The funding would go towards alleviating the plight of the HIV/Aids pandemic, especially for grassroots communities. Activities range from HIV/Aids advocacy work, income-generating projects, psycho-social support for the thousands of Aids orphans, home-based care, youth and reproductive health, as well as addressing the ongoing problem of alcohol and drug abuse. Minister of Health and Social Services, Dr Richard Kamwi, encouraged the recipients to take full financial control of and accountability for the funds. Since its inception in 2002, the Small Grants Fund aims at supporting CBOs dealing with HIV/Aids, based on their communities’ needs. So far, 150 non-governmental organizations and CBOs have been supported by the Fund across the country’s 13 regions. The Fund also further supports activities for 112 organizations. Over N$7-million have so far been disbursed to these organizations. “I am pleased with the achievements the Small Grants Fund has reached so far. In particular, I wish to emphasize the fact that this initiative places people at the centre of everything,” said Kamwi. As two main funders, the Finnish Embassy has committed N$3,9-million until December 2009, while a further N$1-million was pledged by the Swedish Embassy for 2007. Thus, according to UNFPA Country Representative and Chairperson of the HIV/Aids Partnership Forum, Nuzhat Ehsan, the funding aids the Small Grants Fund to make a significant dent in the fight against HIV/Aids. She added, however, that still more needs to be done. Recent results of HIV prevalence amongst pregnant women attending antenatal clinics show 19.9 percent cases at the end of 2006 compared to 19.7 percent for 2004. “There is need to redouble our efforts in order to turn the tide of the Aids epidemic.” Ehsan explained that the recipients were selected not only because they met the necessary funding requirements, but they are committed, self-reliant and resourceful. “The continued success of the fund will depend on the way you will implement your activities, adherence to monitoring, reporting and accountability mechanisms and applying the knowledge,” she added. Plans are also underway to develop a Best Practices publication on Small Grants Fund projects this year. The initiative would aid in documenting some of the successes and achievements of the beneficiaries, especially on how they contribute to the empowerment of communities in general as well as people infected and affected by HIV/Aids. Beneficiaries of the latest Small Grants Fund were Venancius Rukero OVC Support Project; Miracle Psychosocial Support House; Family Hope Sanctuary; Rural Youth HIV/AIDS Campaign; Rivatera Community HIV and AIDS; Together Forever Home Based Care Group; Okahandja Samaritan’s Network; Kasojetua Youth Group – Omaheke; African Wild Dog Conservancy; Ongwediva Youth Club; Ombuga Yamunyoko AIDS Community Project; Tupopila Support Group; Ombome OTO; Omuthiya Women HIV/AIDS Awareness; Olukonda HIV/AIDS Activists; Sharukwe Community-based Care; Theresia’s Orphans and Vulnerable Children; Kaisosi Orphans and Vulnerable Children; and Caprivi Hope for Life. The hand-over marked the 9th round of the Small Grants Fund in about four years.